Knot Belt Co. KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN 2013

The Knot Clothing & Belt Co. Kickstarter campaign has officially launched! 

Preps love to get knotty.  It's time to kick that knottyness up a notch with our newly designed USA MADE ribbon belts and accessories. 

As Knot continues to grow, more cash is needed for new products and especially production.  American labor is costly and while this is our biggest challenge, we wouldn't have our manufacturing done anywhere else but right here in the USA.

We have new belt designs, new graphic tees and other accessories ready to roll.  Kickstarter allows customers, fans and the general public to fund products from their own pockets to get involved with up and coming companies in a very cool way.  No matter how much money you pledge, you get the reward of having first dibs on the new products we're rolling out.  It is an all or nothing type campaign so please pass this along to ANYONE you know who loves an American Made product, a knotty lifestyle and essential grosgrain ribbon belts and accessories.  Skip that beer after work and pledge; every dollar counts.

Link:  http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1768780542/knot-belt-co-gettin-knotty-new-belt-new-product-la

Backside of our "Models & Bottles" pocket tee

Backside of our "Golf Swing" pocket tee

If you have any questions about the campaign please don't hesitate to ask.  Thank you to everyone for all of your continued support!

Get Knotty-

Nick Mannella
Founder

The General Rules of Christmas Etiquette, Borrowed

While drafting up a Holiday Etiquette post for the season, I stumbled upon this and decided to use it instead.  It's a bit "knotty" and pretty much nails the points of good etiquette for not just any party, but for most parties you'll attend well into 2013.  At the bottom is a playlist of the greatest Christmas music everyone should play at their party this year.



The General Rules of Etiquette Everyone Should Abide By At A Christmas Party This Season:

(Rules Subject to Change)

If Hosting, Pick a Date.  Not a person date, but a calendar date.  If you schedule a party on the same day as a friend, chances are everyone will go to his/her party because they are cooler than you.  Besides, I told you not to make it an ugly sweater party.  Those are lame.

If Attending, Know the Date.  Mark it on your calendar, planner, iPhone, iPad, tablet, post-it note.  Have your intern or pledge remind you.  Really there is no excuse nowadays on forgetting something.

Timing.  Being late is never good, especially if you're a girl.  No matter, 20 minutes late is one thing.  Being over an hour late is another.  Plan accordingly and recognize that this isn't a college mixer where arriving at the end of the night just to pick up the drunkest chick will go unnoticed.  Plus, you'll miss out on all of the really good hors d'oeuvres if you're late.

Black tie means black tie.  There is the famed ugly sweater party that we are all fucking sick of usually ends up with someone passed out on the lawn.  Then there is the formal Christmas party that hosts put great effort into making a pleasurable and upscale event, complete with champagne (not Andre) and maybe a pledge hired bartender.  Get dressed up and get after it, pinky up.  And no, a tuxedo t-shirt doesn't count (unless you're from Arkansas).

Bring a gift for the host or hostess.  Coming empty-handed to a cocktail party, especially a Christmas party, is extremely tacky.  Pickup a bottle of wine, some dessert or any small trinket of appreciation and you'll be set. Remember, a 12 of Buds is better than nothing so just play off of the "12 Days of Christmas" song and hand them out like candy.  *Tip: Go the extra step and tie a bow on them.

Thank your hosts.  Look them in the eye, say their names, and give them a heartfelt "thank you." Now is not the time to call your friend The Pisser by the college nickname you use on the sports field each weekend.  Class it up, asshole, this is a Christmas party.

Packing heat.  If you're carrying a flask, it's wise to share and it better be bourbon.  Bourbon is the most versatile holiday party drink spiker. Egg nog, mulled cider, a glass with just ice, after dinner coffee or hot chocolate.  Before you leave make sure to refill your flask for the after party.  It's the gift that keeps on giving...and taking.

Don't come to the party drunk.  Clearly you didn't listen to the rule above about sharing so hopefully you're playing Santa for the little kids (heaven forbid there are kids there).  No little child will understand, "Santa had too much of Rudolph's punch on the sleigh ride over."  If you can't distinguish between another kid, a divorcee, or a prior slam wanting to climb on you to beg for a new My Little Pony doll, grab some coffee or water.  *Tip:  If this is a Christmas party at work, chances are it is a divorcee so make sure you have some rubbers in the sack.  Ho Ho Ho.

Leave the stereo alone.  Unless you're the DJ or were asked to bring a playlist, leave the iPod in its dock.  Nobody likes your month old Drake and nobody likes your two month old Drake so don't even think about it.  Of course, there are always parties with a weak music scene and if you do find yourself at one of these, simply pull the host aside when they aren't busy and offer up some new jams fade the current song out by lowering the volume when no one is looking.  Then, put your crazy wild jams on at a low murmur until someone says, "hey I love this song!"  The volume will be cranked, champagne popped and you'll be Kirilling the shit out of babes before the track ends.  Chances are the host will be totally cool with it.  Claim ownership of the new music only after the host approves.

Mingle, mingle, mingle.  Every party has the potential to be the best party of all time.  To guys, the best party of all time means they took home a lady and brought her to brunch the next day.  To girls, the best party of all time means they perfectly matched the reds on the invitations to the reds on the cocktail napkins to the reds on the frosted gingerbread men's buttons.  Either way, both parties are getting head.  If you don't know someone, introduce yourself.  Offer them a drink.  Offer them a stiff drink.  Chances are you'll have more friends there than you think.  Who knows, you might even meet some of those Facebook friends Twitter followers you have.

Know when to leave.  You will come to a time in the night where you go to refill your plastic party cup at the bar.  On the way there you will shoulder a doorway, hip-check a chair and possibly trip.  Unbeknownst to you, no less than four dirty looks from guests will be sent your way.  If you make it to the bar in a vertical state, the punch bowl will be empty.  Do not ask, "Hey, hey is this the punch?  Wish I got some, anymore coming?" and sound like a complete chode.  Everyone knows you've been swimming in it all night.  Instead, think of your exit.  Find your hosts and thank them.  Look them in the eye, say their names, and give them a heartfelt "thank you." Now is still not the time to call your friend The Pisser by the college nickname you use on the sports field each weekend.  Consider sending your friend a text instead. *Tip:  Make sure you got that divorcee's number in your phone correctly.


So with those thoughts and rules now replacing the dancing sugar plum fairies in your head, I bid you all adieu and hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.  Go easy on the egg nog!


Below is a playlist of the best Christmas music of all time.  Enjoy and crank it up at your next party:

- Nick

Knot Belt Co. Campus Ambassador Application

School is back in session and if you like to have fun and look good, we've got just the thing...

We are looking for top shelf, not afraid to get their hands dirty, chill but knotty students to represent Knot Belt Co. on campuses across the states this semester.  Knot Brand Ambassadors will receive free swag, throw events and off campus parties, tweet and post about Knot Belt Co. and of course, offer giveaways for your friends and more.  To be considered, please copy and paste the questions below into an email, answer to the max and send to:  ambassador@knotbeltco.com.  We'll even hook you up just for applying so tell your friends, spread the word and we'll see you on campus. #stayknotty

KNOT BRAND AMBASSADOR APPLICATION QUESTIONS (please copy and paste these into an email and send to: ambassador@knotbeltco.com):

Name:

Age:

Hometown:

Highschool/Prep School/Boarding School:

University/College/School* + Year:

Fraternity/Sorority (if applicable):

Club(s)/Athletic Team(s)/Campus Organization(s) (if applicable):

Email Address:

Phone Number:

Twitter Handle:

A bit about yourself:

What are five songs you can't get enough of?

What do you like to do on the weekends (other than getting knotty)?

How will you spread the Knot Belt Co. brand on your campus?

Are there any menswear stores, clothing shops or men's boutiques on or near your campus?  If so, what are their names?  What brands do they carry?

Please attach one picture of yourself to this email.  Prepped for a mixer, on the course or cruising the coastline, we want to make sure you can look your best while getting knotty.  Being able to represent the Knot Belt Co. brand wherever you are is essential.  Please NO nudity or profanity.

Lastly:

Follow Knot Belt Co. on TWITTER

Like Knot Belt Co. on FACEBOOK

Follow KnotByNick on INSTAGRAM

*WE NEED INTERNS!  If you attend College of Charleston and would like to be considered for an intern position at the Knot Belt Co. office in Charleston, please add "Campus + Intern" to the subject title of your email.  While this internship/ambassador position is unpaid, this is the best way to get your foot in the door as Knot Belt Co. grows and paid opportunities open up in the future....plus we have a hell of a lot of fun and all of your friends will be jealous.

Endless Summer Sippin' - Events & Parties

Show off your American made lifestyle and get knotty.  www.knotbeltco.com

Knot Brand Ambassador Profile: Grace The Face Williams

Each week we get emails from people across the country who want to be a part of the Knot Belt Co. team.  While we aren't hiring full time employees just yet, becoming a brand ambassador is the first step to get your foot in the door.  The people you'll read about here have gone the extra mile and realize what Knot is about and what it is like to be a Knothead. Each week we'll be profiling our top brand ambassadors for everyone to see. 

Name: Grace The Face Frances Williams 

School: St. Lawrence University

Studying: Government

Why are you a Knot Belt Co. brand ambassador/how did you become one?

I met Nick in the pro-shop at Bristol Harbour Golf Club.  After a few shared stories from up at Larryland it was ON.

Whats on your ipod/what are you listening to?

Summer hits of the 90s. 

One awkward moment that was caused by epic knottyness:

I was in Nantucket and after a long night woke up to find my friend half-naked next to my brother.  She was wearing her Knot sunglasses and using the Knot flag I had as a blanket.  She and my brother aren't dating, but it was true love that night....I think she deserves to be a Knothead brand rep just because of that.  Wait, she is a brand rep right?

If you could have front row tickets to any sporting event, what would it be?

Any sort of professional golf event!  The PGA is coming back to Oak Hill next summer so hopefully Knot will have some company tickets by then.

Shout out to a friend…(friends):

Elizabeth Jay - whatup.

Any hidden talents?

Tick-Tock-Body-Rock

Favorite outdoor socializing activity:

Stump

What product do you want Knot to come out with next?

Party pants or shorts, maybe do a collab with Chubbies.

Larry Sandwich: Class of 1955 comin' to the Knot-Tee Trunk Show

If you want to become a brand ambassador on your campus, please email "lifestyle@knotclothing.com" with a bit about yourself, a resume and why you would be a good addition to the Knot Belt Co. crew.  Extra points for pics, videos and epic music playlists.

Knot Brand Ambassador Profile: Ellie Panther Place

Each week we get emails from people across the country who want to be a part of the Knot Belt Co. team.  While we aren't hiring full time employees just yet, becoming a brand ambassador is the first step  to get your foot in the door.  The people you'll read about here have gone the extra mile and realize what Knot is about and what it is like to be a Knothead.Each week we'll be profiling our top brand ambassadors for everyone to see. 

Name: Ellie Panther Place

School: College of Charleston

Studying: Finance and Accounting

Why are you a Knot Belt Co. brand ambassador/how did you become one?

I'm pretty sure I was tricked into doing this.  Never looked back.

Whats on your ipod/what are you listening to?

Lumineers, Marshall Tucker Band, Van Morrison, Avett Brothers and Nirvana

One awkward moment that was caused by epic knottyness:


That time at the Knot Rooftop Drop party when everyone had about 15 John Dalys, resulting in my friend Kels and I abusing a bachelor party.  We rang up their bar tab pretty good.  Another time, you (meaning Nick) and friend Jon-Mark were spotted riding around a tandem bike and crashed it in front of our house, aptly named Pittbull, while we all were drinking champagne on the porch at around 3am.  Not so much awkward as extreme knottyness.

If you could have front row tickets to any sporting event, what would it be?

Let's pretend I can time travel- 1994 Andre Agassi at the US open OR 1980 Olympic Hockey Olympics.

Shout out to a friend…(friends):
Don Post of Mozzo's Deli or the bartenders at Fuel for hooking us up with endless pitchers midday after some tennis.





Any hidden talents?

Teleporting, cake baking

Favorite outdoor socializing activity:

Budweiser Wiffleball

What product do you want Knot to come out with next?

Long-sleeve tees and hoodless sweatshirts

Shout out to the Pittbull crew.  #stayknotty

If you want to become a brand ambassador on your campus, please email "lifestyle@knotclothing.com" with a bit about yourself, a resume and why you would be a good addition to the Knot Belt Co. crew.  Extra points for pics, videos and epic music playlists.

BroBible + Country Club Prep Outfit Giveaway

Want to win an entire outfit that includes some of your favorite brands?  The epic knottyness of BroBible and the wit and charm of Country Club Prep are bringing you just that.  Click on the link below, cross your legs and grab a cold one...this contest is worth the wait.

Outfit includes: 

1. Sandals by Havaianas,

2. Shorts by Jack Donnelly, 

3. BYOB belt by Knot Belt Co., 

4. White 4-button polo by Johnnie-O, 

5. Blue seersucker croakies by Tugs, 

6. Navy sunglasses by Country Club Prep, and

7. Khaki seersucker Frat Hat by Southern Proper. 

Winner announced on Thursday, August 2, 2012.  MUST be a fan to enter!


ENTER HERE

Fourth of July SALE!

Knot Belt Co.'s birthday is coming up on July 4th and its time to celebrate.  Today through next Sunday (7/1/12) take 20% off our American Flag and Oh My Stars! belts, both d-rings AND original leatherback tabbed styles.  Use code "AMERICA" at checkout.  Go on, be extra patriotic this year.

 

Spread the word, America is gettin' knotty.

- Nick